National Autism Association Requests AAP Instead Focus on Removing Unnecessary
Toxins From Vaccines and Providing Medical Treatments for Children with Autism
CHICAGO, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) has initiated a "parent spokesperson" campaign to counter recent
negative publicity surrounding toxins in vaccines, requesting parent vaccine
proponents to conduct media interviews as "part of our ongoing response to
media stories regarding autism and vaccines."
The negative publicity stems from long-standing reports from thousands of
parents that the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal contributed to
their children's regressive autism. In 1999, the AAP issued a statement
requesting the toxin be phased out of vaccines, but has since continued
supporting its use as a preservative, even fighting against legislation in
several states which would ban the poison from children's vaccines.
Although the mercury content in many vaccines on the current schedule has been
reduced to trace amounts, these trace amounts are not regulated by the FDA.
Large doses of mercury still remain in some vaccines, including flu shots.
Other highly toxic substances including aluminum remain as well.
Parent advocates for children's health believe the AAP should direct their
resources towards increasing the safety of vaccines, rather than
damage-control media campaigns and attempts to censor fictional TV shows such
as ABC's "Eli Stone." "Their resources are so valuable," says Rita Shreffler,
parent and Executive Director of NAA. "It is my hope that the AAP will stop
defending the continued use of poison in vaccines and instead direct that
energy towards implementing promising medical treatments that have thus far
been denied to the vast number of children diagnosed with autism. In the last
several years, we have come to know that improvement and even recovery from
autism is possible when children receive appropriate medical attention, yet
the AAP continues to dismiss these treatments."
A growing body of scientific research including a Centers for Disease Control
study from 2000 indicates a link between thimerosal exposure and several
specific neurological injuries including autism. For years, Shreffler and her
colleagues have requested the toxins be removed from all vaccines.
"If the AAP truly wants the best possible publicity for vaccines, they can
start by discouraging the use of toxic components."
For more information, visit http://www.nationalautism.org.
CONTACT: Wendy Fournier, Portsmouth, RI, 401-835-5828
Rita Shreffler, Nixa, MO, 401-632-6452
SOURCE National Autism Association
Wendy Fournier, Portsmouth, RI, +1-401-835-5828; Rita Shreffler, Nixa, MO,
+1-401-632-6452, both of National Autism Association
